No-Gi vs. Gi Jiu-Jitsu | Brazil 021 Chicago

What Is Gi Jiu-Jitsu?

Gi Jiu-Jitsu is the traditional form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Students wear a cotton uniform made of a jacket, pants, and belt—called a gi. The uniform becomes part of the technique.

In Gi training, you can:

• Grab your opponent’s sleeves, collar, pants, or belt

• Use grips to control posture and movement

• Execute sweeps and submissions with friction

The Gi adds another layer of strategy—and slows things down.

Benefits of Gi Training

• Grip fighting develops hand strength and control

• Technical precision becomes critical

• More positional control due to grips

• Ideal for competition preparation in IBJJF and traditional formats

• Great for learning the fundamentals

Training in the Gi helps develop patience, timing, and a strong understanding of leverage.

What Is No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu?

In No-Gi, students wear rash guards and shorts. There’s no jacket, collar, or pants to grab. All grips are made on the body—like wrists, neck, and underhooks.

No-Gi is:

• Faster and more dynamic

• Common in MMA and submission-only events

• Focused on controlling movement with pressure, frames, and angles

You need more athleticism—but also clean technique.

Benefits of No-Gi Training

• Faster pace improves cardio and reaction time

• Realistic self-defence application—no reliance on clothing

• Popular for MMA fighters

• Focuses on wrestling-based takedowns and scrambles

• Fewer stalling options—forces more movement

No-Gi helps you develop quick decision-making and fluid movement.

Key Differences Between Gi and No-Gi

Both styles are valuable. The best choice depends on your goals—or just train both!

Which One Is Better for Beginners?

At Brazil 021 Chicago, we believe both Gi and No-Gi are important for beginners.

Why start with Gi?

• It helps slow the game down

• You learn control and strategy

• The grips offer better positional structure

• Fundamentals transfer well to No-Gi later

But if you come from a wrestling or MMA background—or prefer a faster pace—No-Gi may feel more natural.

Many students switch back and forth as they gain experience. Learning both will round out your game and give you options.

What Do You Learn in Each Class?

Gi Class at Brazil 021 Chicago

• How to break grips

• Collar chokes and lapel setups

• Guard retention and passing with control

• Sweeps using Gi handles

• Grip fighting strategy

No-Gi Class

• Underhook and overhook control

• Arm drags and front headlocks

• Leg lock entries and escapes

• Takedowns from wrestling positions

• Fast transitions and scrambles

Both classes include drilling, technique breakdowns, and live sparring—always with safety and respect.

Why Train Both Styles?

Here’s what happens when you combine Gi and No-Gi training:

• More complete technique – You’re ready for any situation

• Better self-defence – Clothing may not always be there

• More competition opportunities – IBJJF, ADCC, local opens

• Improved adaptability – You adjust to different grips, speed, and friction

At Brazil 021 Chicago, we encourage students to cross-train. Even if you prefer one style, learning both builds deeper understanding.

When and Where to Train in Chicago

📍 Brazil 021 Chicago is located at 2643 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622.

We offer:

• Gi and No-Gi classes weekly

• Programmes for kids, teens, and adults

• Beginner-friendly instruction

• Competition-focused training

• A clean, inclusive, and disciplined environment

Our experienced instructors help each student learn at their own pace—with no pressure, only progress.

Student Testimonials

“I started with Gi, but No-Gi helped my speed. Training both gives me balance.”
– Jake, blue belt

“The coaches at Brazil 021 break everything down so clearly. I feel confident no matter what style I train.”
– Lauren, white belt

“I train No-Gi for MMA, but the Gi helped sharpen my technique.”
– Marcus, amateur fighter